Retiring Broncos veteran Sam Thaiday has just released his new autobiography. Picture: Lachie Millard

Rugby League

Wayne made me question true loyalty

by Mike Colman

28th Jul 2018 4:54 AM
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SAM Thaiday has revealed that Wayne Bennett's stunning decision to "chase the dollar" and join the Dragons in 2009 caused him to question his own values and could have seen him also leave the Broncos.

In his biography Tries, Lies & Meat Pies, released on July 30, the former Brisbane captain talks for the first time of the impact that Bennett's ­defection had on the club and him personally.

Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett. Picture: Peter Wallis

Thaiday, who will retire at the end of this season after 16 years with the Broncos, says that Bennett's decision to "jump ship" was at odds with the coach's preaching of loyalty to his players.

"His departure to the Dragons had been announced earlier in the year and I struggled to come to terms with it," Thaiday says.

"He was the only first-grade coach I had ever known. For that matter he was the only first-grade coach the Broncos had ever had, but it was more than that. The whole thing seemed out of character.

"Loyalty had always meant a lot to Wayne. He preached it to us fairly constantly. Loyalty to the club and to each other was paramount.

"It was part of what had kept me in Brisbane in those early years, but when this was announced it felt as if he was chasing the dollar. I didn't understand what the hell was going on. It made me question a lot of my own values. If he was willing to jump ship, then why shouldn't I?

"I'm sure there were reasons for doing it. Maybe one day we'll find out. In the end, it was his decision and he did what he thought was best for himself and his family.

"I can respect and understand that, but still at the time, it made my head spin."